Depth Chart Changes: Jason Shirley moves to guard; Tank Johnson beats out Pat Sims

by Josh Kirkendall on Aug 10, 2009 11:18 AM EDT in Analysis

On Monday morning the Bengals updated their depth chart, via the Bengals.com website.

One of the most glaring changes is that the Bengals moved Jason Shirley from defensive tackle to left guard behind Nate Livings. Jason Shirley. Now a guard. Convinced of this move, the Bengals changed his number from #97 to #70. Interesting. It makes you believe that this is a move to keep Shirley on the team; even though he's losing out battles at his native position. Stay tuned.

Tank Johnson beat out Pat Sims for the starting right defensive tackle position. I suppose it was a matter of time. Johnson is an established player, with pockets of really good play. On the other hand, Sims, while he had some good plays last year, is still young, inexperienced. This is a good Training Camp battle which should immensely improve this line. And don't worry about Sims; based on the team's discussion defensive tackle rotation, he's likely to have his share of snaps.

Also on defense, Michael Johnson's two sacks this weekend and Frostee Rucker's recent inactivity has swapped the two on the depth chart behind Antwan Odom. Rucker is the third-string right defensive end, and possibly a bubble-cut player (on the bubble for being cut).

Jeremi Johnson beat out Fui Vakapuna for the rights to start at fullback. Johnson has done well since coming back on his re-invention tour. He's at a manageable weight and he's contributing in the passing game when he can. Also due to inactivity because of injury, Dan Santucci lost his backup spot at center for rookie Jonathan Luigs.

Not reflective of the site's changes, Joe Reedy writes that "Augustus Parrish is the backup left tackle and Dennis Roland is backing up Anthony Collins at right tackle." He also points out that Coats is listed as the starter over Ben Utecht.

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shirley

does he have any history of playing on the offensive line?

by nadfflictar on Aug 10, 2009 11:42 AM EDT reply actions

He Did not play Offense for the Bulldogs.

he’s still a young guy though, and maybe keeping his ass on the team by being a needed backup at guard. It could be a great move, but I have no evnidence to back it up.

by UpStateMike on Aug 10, 2009 11:56 AM EDT reply actions

Well...

if they’re going to switch him to another position…guard is really the only other place you could put him because of his size. And look at the bright side: at least he’d be lining up against defensive tackles, and he knows what they’ll do, since he IS one. Interesting experiment.

Next: move Jerome Simpson to CB? LOL

Even though Jeremi is listed first, does that mean Tony Rockyhara is headed for the practice squad, or do y’all think he contributes as a blocker still? Would hate to miss out on what he can contribute.

by TheWalrus1971 on Aug 10, 2009 12:49 PM EDT reply actions

J. Simpson at CB

I like it!!! He has great speed, but can’t catch a football. Sounds like the makings of a CB.

by ephram on Aug 10, 2009 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Jeremi and Fui

somewhere i read that Jeremi Johnson and Fui Vakapuna lined up in the i-formation…….brilliant, i freakin can’t wait to see that in a game.

I hope they keep this tandem in tact……Vakapuna is more of a power RB than FB, well, that was his role in BYU anyway.

3 yards and a pile of dust

by Hudepohl Dey on Aug 10, 2009 12:52 PM EDT reply actions

Hobson

implied today that keeping 2 FB is a possiblity, with the sudden questions at TE, I could definitely see it.

by jim0ijk on Aug 10, 2009 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions

that would be sweet to see

by nadfflictar on Aug 10, 2009 1:39 PM EDT reply actions

told you guys from the beginning....

Told you guys that Mcdonald was staying and Shirley was gone……at least gone from the D-line, which makes it obvious that he’ll doubtfully make the team….read my post from months ago…..Mcdonald is a beast.

If you don't live like you wanna, you live like you shouldn't

by trotanoy on Aug 10, 2009 2:31 PM EDT reply actions

Isn’t Augustus Parrish the fat kid from Willy Wonka?

by smoormandiddy on Aug 10, 2009 2:32 PM EDT reply actions

First time I shot her, I shot her in the side.
Hard to watch her suffer, but with the second shot she died...

by btcoop71 on Aug 10, 2009 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions

by ephram on Aug 10, 2009 6:32 PM EDT reply actions

We could always pick up Levi on the cheap for insurance.

by smoormandiddy on Aug 10, 2009 8:07 PM EDT up reply actions

He's still out there.

And it appears that Arizona is really the only team he’s interested in signing with.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.

by Josh Kirkendall on Aug 10, 2009 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Levi denim 501 Jones

Maybe they can move Jason Shirley to OT and OG this year?

Of course, Andre Smith is out there too….maybe we should sign him :-)

by ephram on Aug 10, 2009 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m sure they’ll be some cuts in the next few weeks too. If Roland and Collins are back up tackles once Smith is signed, I’m not too concerned though.

by smoormandiddy on Aug 10, 2009 9:52 PM EDT reply actions